Boxing legend Mike Tyson has revealed he is suffering from sciatica, leaving him ’unable to talk’ at times, in particular when it starts to flare up.

Discussions about the former heavyweight great's health arose after photos of him being pushed in a wheelchair through an airport in Miami surfaced last month.

Tyson was also seen using a walking stick to help him get around and in an interview for Newsmax TV, as per The Metro, he revealed that he is suffering from sciatica.

Tyson explained: "I have sciatica every now and then, it flares up. When it flares up, I can’t even talk!"

He alleviated the worries of his fans, however, by confirming that he has no other health issues that they should be worried about.

He continued: "Thank God it’s the only health problem I have. I’m splendid now. Everybody in my house is truly blessed and we’re all very grateful for whatever we have."

Mike Tyson pictured in wheelchair

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, gets compressed or irritated, causing sharp pain in the legs and even lower back area.

Tyson retired from boxing in part due to back problems, so it is quite possible this has been an ongoing issue since that time.

Mike Tyson's boxing involvement

Since retiring in 2005, Tyson has only returned to boxing for an exhibition bout with fellow legend Roy Jones Jr, which resulted in a draw, but more could come in the near future if his health allows it.

The most likely candidate to fight Tyson would be the YouTube star Jake Paul, who has continuously engages in attempts to bring the fight into reality.

Tyson has previously been open to the possibility, but noted he wants a “billion bucks” for the bout in an episode of his Hotboxin podcast.

Tyson, despite being 56 years old and having a list of long-standing injuries, would accept the fight if the price is right, but with him demanding the fight takes place in 2022, time might be running out.

It also looks more and more unlikely to happen as the legendary boxer's health deteriorate as time goes on.